Houston Court Awards $17,500 in Motor Vehicle Subrogation

An insurance company secured a judgment in a subrogation lawsuit following a motor vehicle accident that occurred on September 1, 2018, on Bissonett Street in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff, GEICO County Mutual Insurance Company, alleged that the defendant negligently operated a vehicle, causing damage to the vehicle of GEICO's insured. The plaintiff sought to recover $17,500.00, the amount it paid to its insured for the loss.

The defendant filed a general denial and reserved the right to assert affirmative defenses. The case progressed through several non-jury trial continuances, and the court ordered mandatory mediation. The defendant's attorney later withdrew, citing non-cooperation. Although the court had initially ruled in favor of the plaintiff in November 2020, the case was dismissed for want of prosecution in January 2021.

The plaintiff filed motions to reinstate the case, citing the prior judgment in its favor. In May 2021, the court entered a final judgment for GEICO County Mutual Insurance Company, awarding $17,500.00, along with prejudgment interest from the date of filing, court costs, and post-judgment interest at a rate of 5.00% per year until paid.